I do not understand the problem here. I do not see a mistake at all. Dude, this jacket is awesome on you, for you, etc. Paired with that outfit, no, but honestly, I thought you just threw it on to show the forum so I discounted the ensemble and only looked at the jacket, your lovely self, the quality, what a deal! and the fit.

Pair it with some slim bottoms, the quilted booties and your UWP sweater. Or layer another jacket underneath or a vest and a blouse and slim bottoms. This jacket has loads of potential and your shouldn't be stressing or worrying your pretty head about it.

Keep, no, ROCK it.

Heather, are you a professional life coach? I need a little Heather on my shoulder, whispering flattery and tips in my ear all day!

I will give it a couple of tries because your suggestions and the other ideas here are so brilliant, but I have some blatant hostility toward it now for the maelstrom of self-doubt it has caused me.

YOU, on the other hand, are my shero!

It seems like you have been all sorted out here, but hope you will add pictures of your jacket styled in some different ways. I can't wait to see. I enjoyed reading your thoughts in processing this...I suffer from some of the same tendencies.

Hi Una --

Add me to the "not a problem" folks -- especially given your work clothing angst.

I see:

* a flattering shape on you

* a cut that's usually associated with very "ladylike" looks, but gets tweaked rather heartily when done in black leather

* a style that adds a lot of oomph to tailored "not-Una" work clothes without scaring the clients, but work with all your funkier items

The only real issue is seasonality, so I'd start wearing it early and often. You have tons of styling ideas upthread and I'm sure we'd love to see them.

I dig the jacket. I would scrunch the sleeves and pair it with black/white/grey/graphic things as opposed to bright colors.

I also think the leather jacket has potential, Una. A few more ideas to make it more you:

Leather jacket +
- hoodie + (not too oversized) boyfriend jeans or a pencil skirt
- slouchy V-neck sweater + pencil skirt (pattern or solid)
- straight-legged trousers (or a slight bootcut) + Converse
- fitted denim jacket layered underneath + pencil skirt or yellow plaid pants
- boyfriend jeans + white button-down + men's tie
- yellow plaid pants + white button-down or white top + ankle boots
- B&W striped top + slouchy trousers
- sheath dress + gladiator or cage sandals
- waistcoat + black or white button-down + pencil skirt + metallic oxfords
- dark denim pencil skirt + lighter blue chambray shirt (knotted) + metallic oxfords or fun patterned pump

What's not to love about this jacket. You're confusing it with your temporary hard-on-yourself feelings. The jacket is innocent! I notice that in the photo - where I know you're not attempting to style it - you have no exuberance over it. I don't think this is to do with the jacket itself but partly an attempt to devalue it so you can separate from it and your "mistake." I'm definitely on board with the members who see a lot of value in it for you styling it up to suit you.

I feel like an after-thought here -- there have been such wonderful, insightful comments about the jacket -- but as I've caught up on them and your other work thread, I can't help but wonder if this jacket could ever be courtroom appropriate for Alaska?

To me it's got the right elements for looking professional and the right elements for being distinctive. If it might work, then just coming up with maybe two stylings (1 skirt, 1 trousers) for the courtroom and it would earn it's keep, right?

I say this because I DO understand when leather calls your name, and the fit is excellent, even if the style isn't easy/perfect. It can always leave if/when you find you have more preferred things to choose from. . .